A huge new project will see six countries connected by a giant £157 billion railway line. In the midst of global energy concerns and last year’s Qatar World Cup, the Gulf Railway project has been making headlines as it seeks to connect Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar through a network of new railway lines.
Despite its inception in 2008, the project has faced persistent delays, mainly attributed to a drop in oil prices since 2014, the Covid-19 pandemic, and diplomatic tensions among Gulf nations.
The GCC Railway, as it is also known, gained momentum during the 42nd edition of the GCC Summit in December 2021 after a blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries was lifted.
However, significant challenges remain before the railway becomes operational, including the need to lay down 2,000 kilometres of track at a staggering cost of £157 billion.
Each participating country is expected to contribute to the project, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE being the primary investors.
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Saudi Arabia, committing £118 billion in transport and logistics development, is actively working on crucial railway links, such as the one connecting Jeddah to Jubail, passing through Riyadh. Meanwhile, the UAE has unveiled a £10 billion railway development program, anticipating economic benefits of £43 billion.
The Etihad Railway Network, connecting Saudi and Omani borders by 2030, is a significant component of the UAE’s ambitious plan.
However, not all Gulf nations are equally invested in the project. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making substantial commitments, Qatar is facing delays in its connection with Saudi Arabia, possibly due to the financial strain of hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait are also underinvesting in their railway networks, citing economic or political reasons.
Technical challenges add to the project’s complexity, as experts highlight the increased risk of erosion for railway infrastructure in the Gulf’s climatic conditions.
Despite projections of increased railway network quality within the GCC Council in the coming years, the completion of the Gulf Railway remains uncertain. Travellers hoping to journey from Kuwait City to Muscat will likely face a considerable wait, casting doubt on the project’s realisation in the near future.